Durga Puja in Jamshedpur

Jamshedpur, Oct. 1: They have always sworn by the three Ps — puja, pratima and prasad. And this time would be no different.

While other organisers are focussing on theme pandals, the members of the Ramdas Bhatta and Contractor’s Area Durga Puja Committee plan to steal the show with sheer size.

The puja at Biswajeet Manimela Ground in Bistupur will boast the tallest idol in the city this year. Organisers say they have drawn the inspiration for the 30ft ekchala idol from Kumartuli in Calcutta. The base of the ekchala will be 40ft wide and the entire structure will weigh nothing less than six quintals.

The puja committee is shelling out a cool Rs 70,000 for the idol. “People waste so much money on pandals, but barely give much importance to idols. Having an imposing pratima not only evokes devotion, but is also easy on the pocket. Under normal circumstances, it costs one-tenth of what a theme pandal would,” said Prakash Rao, the executive in charge of the puja committee. He pointed out that the goddess would flaunt jewelleries worth Rs 10,000. “We have bought them from Ultadanga in Calcutta.”

Mallick & Brothers of Kadma, who have given shape to the colossus, said they were sceptical when the organisers first approached them with the proposal. “We have been in this profession for 40 years, but have never made such a huge ekchala. So, we were a bit sceptical. However, later, we took it up as a challenge for us,” said artisan Sanjay Mallick. He said the idols of the goddess, her bahan and Mahisasur would be mounted on the ekchala in the pandal.

Members of the puja committee said special attention was also being given to rituals, including preparation of the bhog. “We believe in service to the mankind. The prasad will be offered for free. People can take it home or savour it on the premises,” said Rao. source: the telegraph india